About the Animal Husbandry Internship:
The Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation, dba Children's Science Center, conducts internship and youth leadership programs for high school and college students to learn professional skills and to embed these skills in their everyday behavior. The Animal Husbandry Internship will provide a well-rounded experience for individuals actively pursuing a career in animal care and education. The internship will cover topics including best practices in animal welfare, zoonotic diseases, training, AZA/SSP information, USDA requirements, recording keeping, etc. Since 2015, the Children's Science Center has engaged over 380 high school and college-aged youth in the Lab and community outreach programs.
The Children’s Science Center, is seeking an adaptable, creative, articulate, dynamic and highly motivated individual to join our team in the role of Animal Husbandry Intern. The Animal Husbandry Intern must be a dedicated individual who can maintain aesthetically pleasing terrestrial habitats that promote positive animal welfare for a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. The intern must be able to work independently as well as on a team to provide essential and effective care for the collection as a whole. This position reports to the Operations and Program Manager.
General Responsibilities:
- Attend to assigned animals; prepare diets, feed, and provide water; sanitize enclosure furniture/floors and food/water dishes as scheduled or necessary; perform approved enrichment and training activities; assist in the capture and restraint of animals
- Record relevant information in facility’s recordkeeping database, including animal observations, health concerns and treatments, acquisitions/births, dispositions/deaths, etc.; objectively complete animal welfare assessments, as assigned
- Perform routine repairs and maintenance on exhibits/enclosures as needed; construct improvements, furnishings, and decorations for exhibits
- Assist in planning and conducting educational and interactive guest programs; engage the public to encourage curiosity and facilitate a positive experience both in person and virtually
- Support institution’s Mission, Vision, and Value statements; maintain a positive example in meeting the needs of fellow staff, volunteers, and guests
Requirements and Qualifications:
The ideal intern candidate will:
- Possess a “can do” attitude with a “will do” work ethic
- Be 18 years or older
- Pursue a degree in Wildlife Biology, Zoology, Environmental Sciences or similar
- Demonstrate interest in Zoology and animal care
- Basic computer skills
- Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation to/from work
- Must be able to lift 60 pounds; may be required to stand for an extended period
- Successfully complete a criminal background check upon selection
This internship is unpaid. Contact hours can be used to meet volunteer hour requirements for school and/or extracurricular involvement.
This internship accepts applications on a rolling basis. Applicants will be considered for the upcoming cycle.